On February 19, 2026, the final event of the European project BRACE-MY – Boosting Research Capabilities of the Romanian Cloud Microphysics Centre was carried out, officially marking the conclusion of a strategic initiative dedicated to strengthening scientific excellence in the field of cloud microphysics and atmospheric research. The event, held at the INCAS headquarters in Bucharest in a hybrid format, brought together representatives of the national and international scientific community, European research infrastructures, academia and the industrial sector involved in the project. The agenda of the final event reflected the structure and impact of the project, presenting the results obtained during implementation, the new research capabilities developed, as well as the impact within the European research ecosystem.
Particular emphasis was placed on expanding the research infrastructure by operationalizing the aerosol particle sampling system – HERA, specialized equipment that allows advanced analysis and determination of the concentration of atmospheric ice nuclei (Ice Nucleating Particles – INP). Most importantly, the results of the experimental campaigns carried out in distinct climatic environments were highlighted, with solid scientific relevance for the study of microphysical processes and aerosol–cloud interactions. In this context, the focus was on the missions carried out in Cape Verde (Africa) – August/September 2024, as well as the Campaign carried out in Kiruna, Sweden, in the fall of 2025.
The event was also a working framework oriented towards strengthening future collaborations and operationally capitalizing on the results obtained. Representatives of the partner institutions and invited organizations emphasized the importance of strengthening European cooperation and continuous investments in research infrastructures, as prerequisites for increasing scientific competitiveness.